No more metric martyrs after Conservative lobbying pays off

End of EU inspired metrication after Commission agrees imperial measurements are good for business

Brussels, 3 May 2007 — The threat to miles, yards and pints is off the agenda after Sir Robert Atkins MEP, Conservative Deputy Leader in the European Parliament, got confirmation from Industry Commissioner Verheugen that “dual marking” of goods in imperial and metric will ‘continue indefinitely’.

Following intense lobbying by the Conservatives, Commissioner Verheugen agreed that it was good news for British and European industry to keep imperial measurements as it would make it easier for them to sell to the United States.

Sir Robert said: “After saving the crown on the British pint, I am happy the Conservatives have persuaded the Commission that it is good not only for international business but for the British people that traditional measurements are kept. I just hope there won’t be any more need for metric martyrs and that the government will avoid forcing metrication down the public’s throat.“